Clearing Up Three Acne Treatment Myths

There are a lot of acne myths out there, from certain foods to the pH of water you might be showering with that may or may not be causing acne breakouts. Acne breakouts do happen and can be triggered by more than one thing, so each case is different. That means acne treatments for each individual should be tailored. This requires a lot of investigation and a very diagnosis from your dermatologist so they can prescribe you the right treatment for your case. Here are three acne treatment myths that are just plain wrong:

Stronger Treatments = Always Better
This is false. Acne treatments contain chemicals that are balanced by your dermatologist after they study your skin’s overall composition. Many professional treatments contain benzoyl peroxide, which at high concentrations can cause a significant amount of irritation to your skin. While a higher dose might be applicable for something like headaches or for cold relief, the same cannot be said for acne medication and/or treatments. Remember that your dermatologist has to take into account any other potential skin reaction you might have when using substances like salicylic acids or benzoyl peroxide to determine the right amount of dosage for you.

No More Acne = No More Medication
Just because your acne has disappeared does not mean that you should stop taking your prescribed acne medication. In fact, the reason you don’t have acne is BECAUSE of the medication. Think of when you have a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics, just because you no longer have the infection does not mean you should discontinue taking your antibiotics. Your doctor will always tell you to finish the medication. It is also important to keep applying the serums and ointments your dermatologist told you to use, as they too help keep your acne away. To add to this, just because your acne is gone does not mean you should stop going to your dermatologist. Only he or she can determine if your treatment has been 100% successful, and no additional treatments would be required.

Not Washing Your Face = Acne Breakouts
The opposite can actually be more true than this. Washing your face too much can strip your skin of its natural oils that help protect and moisturize the surface. This leaves your skin dehydrated, and in turn responds by secreting even more oil, resulting in acne breakouts. How does excess oil actually cause breakouts? Well when the oil gets into your pores, it takes with it dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria, clogging them and forming pimples. The best product to wash your face with is a mild cleanser. Try to limit washing your face to just in the morning and at night before you sleep.

If you have any questions or concerns about getting treatment for your acne, please don’t hesitate to call us at (727)528-0321 to schedule a consultation.